Name: Outback Steakhouse Bread (Copycat Recipe) Recipe
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 2 h
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 cup warm water (about 100°F/38°C); ¼ cup brown sugar; 5 tablespoons honey; 3 tablespoons molasses; ¼ cup vegetable oil; 1 ½ teaspoons instant dry yeast; 2 cups all-purpose flour; 1 cup whole wheat flour; 3 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder; ½ teaspoon salt

Jump to Recipe· 3.8 from 14 reviews

I’m so excited to share my Outback Steakhouse Bread (Copycat Recipe) Recipe with you because this is one of those irresistible breads that has captured my heart and taste buds. It’s got just the right balance of soft, slightly sweet, and deeply flavorful notes, all wrapped up in a tender yet sturdy loaf that’s perfect for dipping in butter or pairing with hearty meals. I love making this bread at home because it brings that restaurant-quality experience straight to my kitchen, and honestly, it feels like a little celebration every time I bake it.

Why You’ll Love This Outback Steakhouse Bread (Copycat Recipe) Recipe

What makes this Outback Steakhouse Bread (Copycat Recipe) Recipe truly special to me is the rich, complex flavor that comes from the combination of honey, molasses, and brown sugar—all mixed with a touch of cocoa powder. The cocoa adds a subtle depth without overpowering the sweetness, creating a loaf that’s uniquely comforting. When I slice it warm, the aroma fills the house and invites everyone to gather around. It’s sweet but balanced enough to pair wonderfully with savory dishes.

One of the best things I appreciate about this bread is how straightforward it is to prepare. Even if you’re new to bread baking, the steps are simple and rewarding. The dough is forgiving and soft, making it a joy to knead by hand or with a mixer. Plus, it doesn’t require complicated ingredients—just pantry staples that you probably already have. I love pulling this bread out for family dinners, special occasions, or even a cozy weeknight meal. It stands out as a showstopper because it’s comforting, a little unexpected in flavor, and incredibly satisfying.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows an overhead view of nine glass bowls with different ingredients, placed neatly on a white marbled surface. In the center is a large bowl filled with light brown flour, surrounded by smaller bowls: one with white flour and a white spatula inside, another with a golden liquid that looks like honey or syrup, a small bowl with a dark thick syrup, and another with oats. Near the edges are bowls containing a beige granulated ingredient, a small pile of light yellow powder, a clear liquid, and a small round bowl with a mix of brown powder and white salt. The arrangement is clean and organized, with a bright, natural light highlighting the textures. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

These ingredients are wonderfully simple yet essential, each playing a vital role in crafting the perfect texture, flavor, and beautiful color of the bread. From the richness of molasses to the gentle sweetness of honey, every addition has its purpose in this delightful recipe.

Warm water (1 cup): Helps activate the yeast and meld the flavors together while creating a soft dough.
Brown sugar (¼ cup): Adds a touch of sweetness and moisture to keep the bread tender.
Honey (5 tablespoons): Enhances sweetness and gives a lovely golden hue to the bread’s crust.
Molasses (3 tablespoons): Brings depth and a rich, slightly smoky flavor that’s unmistakably delicious.
Instant dry yeast (1 ½ teaspoons): The magic ingredient that makes the bread rise beautifully.
All-purpose flour (2 cups): Forms the structure of the bread and keeps the crumb light.
Whole wheat flour (1 cup): Adds nuttiness and a hearty texture for extra flavor complexity.
Unsweetened cocoa powder (3 tablespoons): Gives the bread its unique color and a subtle cocoa note that enhances richness.
Salt (½ teaspoon): Balances the sweetness and boosts the overall flavor.
Vegetable oil (¼ cup): Keeps the bread moist and tender while contributing to its soft crumb.

Directions

Step 1: In a medium bowl, whisk together the warm water, brown sugar, honey, molasses, and instant dry yeast until everything is combined and the sugar begins to dissolve. You’ll notice the mixture looking slightly cloudy and aromatic.

Step 2: Cover the bowl with cling film and set it aside in a warm spot for 15 to 20 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when a foamy layer forms on top—that’s the yeast waking up and getting to work!

Step 3: While the yeast rests, stir together the all-purpose flour, whole wheat flour, cocoa powder, and salt in a large mixing bowl until evenly combined. This dry mix will give the dough its characteristic color and texture.

Step 4: Pour the frothy yeast mixture into the flour mixture, then add the vegetable oil. Using your hands or a stand mixer fitted with a dough hook, begin kneading the ingredients together until you get a smooth, soft dough. This will take about 10 minutes with a mixer, or around 15 minutes if you’re kneading by hand.

Step 5: Cover the dough tightly with cling film or a clean tea towel and place it somewhere warm to rise for about 45 minutes. The dough should double in size, becoming noticeably airy and light to the touch.

Step 6: Once risen, punch down the dough gently to release the air. Divide it into 8 equal pieces and roll each into a ball on a lightly floured surface.

Step 7: Take each ball and roll it out into an oval shape about one-fifth of an inch thick. Then, roll the dough tightly into a log, sealing the edge with a little water on your fingertip to ensure it stays closed during baking.

Step 8: Arrange the rolled dough pieces seam side down in a baking dish (about 9×13 inches works perfectly—fit four pieces per dish). Cover again and let rise for another 20 to 30 minutes until puffed up and soft.

Step 9: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). When the dough has risen a second time, remove the cover and place the baking dish in the oven. Bake for 18 to 20 minutes, or until the bread turns a gorgeous golden brown and the kitchen smells heavenly.

Step 10: Let the bread cool slightly before serving. It’s perfect warm, and I always find it tastes best within a day or two fresh from the oven.

Servings and Timing

This recipe yields 6 generous servings, making it perfect for sharing with family or friends. The prep time is about 15 to 20 minutes, plus two rising periods totaling approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes. The actual baking time is 18 to 20 minutes, so from start to finish, you’re looking at around 2 hours to have this delicious bread ready to enjoy. Allow a few extra minutes for cooling before slicing.

How to Serve This Outback Steakhouse Bread (Copycat Recipe) Recipe

A dark brown loaf of bread sits on crumpled white paper placed on a ridged white plate, alongside two slices of the same bread showing a soft, porous texture inside. Next to the loaf and slices is a single slice spread with creamy, pale yellow butter, with a butter knife resting nearby, its blade covered with some butter. The scene is set on a white marbled surface with a white cloth partially visible under the plate. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

When I serve this bread, I like to keep it warm so that its soft, tender crumb can be enjoyed to the fullest. It pairs beautifully with a simple spread of creamy butter or honey butter that melts slowly into every bite. For a heartier touch, I also love setting out dishes of garlic butter or herbed olive oil for dipping—each adds a different yet complementary flavor experience.

This bread shines alongside steak dinners or with a rich stew, soaking up delicious sauces and gravies. On more casual occasions, I’ve served it with soups like tomato bisque or creamy chicken noodle, and it always elevates the meal. For presentation, I find arranging the rolls on a wooden board with sprigs of rosemary or thyme adds a rustic charm that guests adore.

In terms of drinks, this bread goes wonderfully with bold red wines like a Cabernet Sauvignon or Malbec that match the richness perfectly. If you prefer non-alcoholic options, a sparkling apple cider or iced tea with a hint of lemon are terrific refreshers. I like to serve this bread warm for family dinners, holiday meals, or anytime I want to impress without stress—each time it feels like a special treat!

Variations

One of the fun things about this Outback Steakhouse Bread (Copycat Recipe) Recipe is how adaptable it is. If you want to switch things up, you can replace the whole wheat flour with more all-purpose flour for a lighter texture, or use spelt flour for a nuttier flavor variation. If cocoa isn’t your favorite, you could reduce it or swap for a tablespoon of espresso powder for a different but equally rich undertone.

For those following gluten-free lifestyles, I’ve experimented by using a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend with xanthan gum added to help with the dough’s structure. The texture changes slightly but stays delicious. To make it vegan, simply swap honey for maple syrup or agave nectar. The bread remains flavorful and moist, making it accessible for more dietary preferences.

If you want to try a different cooking method, shaping the dough into a classic loaf pan creates a traditional bread loaf that’s perfect for sandwiches. You could even bake smaller rolls for individual servings, adjusting baking time slightly. Each version brings out the unique flavors while allowing you to customize the bread for your occasion.

Storage and Reheating

Storing Leftovers

After enjoying the fresh bread, I usually store leftovers in an airtight container or tightly wrapped in plastic wrap to keep the moisture locked in. At room temperature, it stays fresh for up to two days, making it ideal for quick snacking or next-day meals. I avoid refrigeration since it can dry the bread out.

Freezing

This bread freezes wonderfully! Before freezing, I wrap each roll individually in plastic wrap and then place them in a labeled freezer-safe bag or container. This way, the bread maintains its freshness and flavor for up to 3 months. When you want to enjoy it, there’s no need to thaw completely beforehand if you’re in a hurry—you can reheat straight from the freezer.

Reheating

To bring the bread back to life, I pop rolls into a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes, which lightly crisps the crust while warming the inside. Microwaving is faster but can make bread chewy or tough if overdone, so if you use that method, just go for 20 to 30 seconds and add a little damp paper towel to retain moisture. Avoid reheating too long to preserve the original soft texture and rich flavor.

FAQs

What makes this Outback Steakhouse Bread different from regular bread?

The combination of molasses, cocoa powder, honey, and brown sugar gives this bread its characteristic sweet, slightly smoky richness and a deep color that sets it apart from typical white or whole wheat breads. These ingredients create a flavor that’s both comforting and uniquely memorable.

Can I make this recipe without a mixer?

Absolutely! While a mixer with a dough hook makes kneading easier and quicker (about 10 minutes), kneading by hand works just as well. It may take closer to 15 minutes, but the dough’s soft, pliable nature makes it manageable, plus you get a great hands-on baking experience.

How do I know when the dough has risen enough?

When the dough doubles in size, it’s ready for the next step. To test, gently press two fingers into the dough—if the indentation remains and doesn’t spring back quickly, the rise was successful and the dough is well aerated for baking.

Is the cocoa powder flavor strong in the final bread?

The cocoa powder is subtle, providing more richness and color than an overt chocolate taste. It enhances the overall depth of flavor without making the bread taste like chocolate, which keeps it perfectly balanced and versatile.

Can I substitute the vegetable oil with butter or another fat?

You can replace vegetable oil with melted butter for a slightly richer flavor and softer texture. Other neutral oils like canola or light olive oil also work well. I recommend sticking to oils that won’t overpower the bread’s delicate sweetness and subtle cocoa notes.

Conclusion

I hope you’re as excited as I am to bake this Outback Steakhouse Bread (Copycat Recipe) Recipe at home! It’s truly a wonderful way to bring a warm, delicious touch to your table that everyone will love. Whether you’re making it for a special occasion or simply to enjoy a cozy night in, this bread never fails to impress. Let me know how your baking adventure goes — I promise, once you try it, this bread will become a beloved favorite in your kitchen too!